Protocol analyzer tool updated to support Smart Grid technologies

Frontline's NetDecoder protocol analyzer tool has been updated to support a wide array of Smart Grid communication technologies.

04/11/2011

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Frontline, a producer of protocol analyzer test tools, has updated its NetDecoder protocol analyzer tool to support a wide array of Smart Grid communication technologies. Diagnosis and troubleshooting support for Saia-Burgess S-Bus, BACnet and IEC-60870-5-102 communication technologies are now included.

Frontline’s NetDecoder analyzer reportedly already supports other Smart Grid related communication technologies such as DNP3 (both Serial and Ethernet) and the IEC-60870 protocol suite. The IEC-60870-5-102 is used along with the 101, 103 and 104 protocols mainly in the electric distribution and transmission SCADA networks.

On the consumer end of the Smart Grid, communication technologies such as BACnet and S-Bus provide connectivity to design smart, sustainable and energy-efficient homes and buildings. The NetDecoder analyzer had previously supported the BACnet (PTP, MSTP and Ethernet variants) protocols as a separate add-on. Now by making these protocols a standard part of the product, Frontline reiterates its commitment to providing the best testing tools for all Smart Grid communication technologies.

The Smart Grid will consist of multiple interconnected networks, each utilizing its own communication technology. The NetDecoder analyzer is positioned to help product developers and network administrators across the entire Smart Grid, according to Frontline. The NetDecoder analyzer can reportedly capture, analyze and diagnose serial, ethernet and other industrial bus technologies covering the entire range of wired communication networks.